1842 05 02 Times and Seasons Letter from W. J. Appleby
From the Times and Seasons 2 May 1842, pg 777-778
Letter from W. J. Appleby.
DEAR BROTHER:--It is with feelings of no ordinary kind, that I take my pen in hand, (aside from the bustle and cares of life) to communicate to you, thou servant and prophet of the most high, the pleasing and no doubt cheering intelligence of what the Lord of glory is doing in this part of the vineyard. When I take a retrospective view of the rise of the "Church of Christ" in these last days, and reflect what scenes of persecutions, trials, distress,and bloodshed, the saints of God have been called upon to undergo, for the testimony of Jesus and his holy word; and especially when I think of you,�
But I said I was going to inform you what the Lord of glory was doing here, this I will endeavor to do. There is a branch here containing 22 members, including 1 elder, and 1 priest, and more believing. It is but a few weeks ago since I baptized a gentleman and his lady here at 9 o'clock at night, and broke the ice to do it, but they never minded ice nor weather when truth was to be obtained; the gentleman was of the persuasion of Friends, the lady was formerly a member of the Chruch of England, from Philadelphia, they both are now rejoicing in the truth, and thankful that they have eradicated the mark of the Beast.
I have been home but a few days from a tour of nearly two weeks along the sea shore (i.e.) Toms River and Forked River &c. There were six baptized at Toms River while I was there and more believing; there are something near two hundred members here and in Cream Ridge, and Toms River exclusive of those who have gone west. I was informed by Br. Winner that Elder Divine baptized 18 in one day a few weeks ago at Long Branch, and that there had been 60 baptized there within a short time. There are calls here for preaching on the right and left, we would like to see Br. Page or some other efficient elder, here as soon as you have an opportunity of sending one, I have understood you purposed coming east in the spring if you are I wish you to inform me as soon as you receive this and at what time you expect to be in Jersey, as Br. Isaac R. Robbins is coming to Nauvoo this spring, and wishes to see you, but if you are coming here perhaps he may wait until you arrive. Brs. John R. Robbins, and Lafetras, with their families expect to leave here for Nauvoo sometime in April; but I must bring my letter to a close as the bright luminary of day has long since sunk behind the western hils, and another day has rolled into (to us) the ocean of eternity, to help fill up the vacuum of years yet wanting to commence the sabbath of rest;--the sable shades of night are hovering over the earth, her dark mantle is spread upon the hills and vallies; while bright Phaebus the queen of night is riding in glorious majesty, with all her attendant train of satellites, twinkling in either blue, and all nature is nearly hushed in slumbering silence, and enjoying that heavenly repose which the great Author ordained for the creatures of his care; therefore with the sublimest emotions of praise and gratitude to my God I do close by saying may God bless you and yours, Br. Hyrum, and all the Saints throughout the world: and may Zion prosper and become the joy of the whole earth.
With sentiments of profound respect do I subscribe myself your well wisher and brother in the Lord,
- W. J. APPLEBY.
